Officials Urge Soccer Fans to Halt Violence

The syntax was awkward, the grammar was flawed, but the sentiment of a telephone call taped by an answering machine in Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Hernandez’s office was powerful nonetheless.

The gist was that the anonymous caller was embarrassed by the unruly crowds of World Cup fans who celebrated Tuesday in Huntington Park, after Mexico’s 1-1 tie with Italy ensured the team’s advance into the next round of competition. Police made 17 arrests during the wild disturbance, for everything from traffic violations to assault with a deadly weapon.

“What I witnessed yesterday, it hurts my heart,” said the man on the tape. “Today is a very sad day for the Hispanic and Latino community in which I live. . . . What can we do to instill into our youngsters the character and the morality that I was taught from my father?”

On Thursday, Hernandez played the tape of the telephone call when he joined the City Council’s two other Latino members--Richard Alatorre and Richard Alarcon--and Police Chief Willie L. Williams at a news conference to plead with Los Angeles’ soccer fans to keep rejoicing lawful.

All took pains to say that their appeal was to all soccer fans, not just those backing Mexico. And Williams said that “peaceful, joyous and even boisterous” celebrations are encouraged, even if the crowds shut down streets.

But, Williams vowed, a line will be drawn. “If we have window-breaking, if we have vandalism, if we have assaults, if we have open, lewd behavior or anything like that, we’re not going to tolerate it.”

The department is not planning to automatically increase staffing on game days but is ready to do so when necessary, he said.

The melee Tuesday was one of several that have erupted in Huntington Park since World Cup competition began. In response, officials are planning to impose a 10 p.m. curfew and to provide police reinforcements for Tuesday, when the Mexican team starts second-round play in a game in New Jersey. Arrests also were made Tuesday night in Santa Ana, on the Eastside, and in Boyle Heights and Pacoima.

“As we celebrate . . . we have to remember that we have the responsibility to do it in a way that does not impact other people or the community around us,” said Alarcon, whose district includes the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Hernandez, who represents part of the Eastside, said the telephone call to his office has been echoed in numerous conversations with constituents this week. At a time when Gov. Pete Wilson and other politicians seem to be attacking immigrants, he urged soccer fans in the city to “bring respect and pride to our community” by behaving responsibly.